A Premature Departure
Had just returned from the wake of an ex-student. Was at the Escape Theme Park with a few of my students from SPS when I received the news. It seemed that she didn't survive the heart operation that she was undergoing. Decided to carry on with the outing, something that I had promised the kids; something that they had been longing for. Left the kids to try the various rides on their own while I sat down to be alone. Arranged to meet up with her friends (my ex-students) in the evening to attend the wake together.
Pui Yee was one of my P5 gals and I couldn't recall when was the last time we met. The impression that I have of her is one of a little gal with a skinny frame. She was born with a hole in her heart and had not always been in the best of health. She would always come to school with her mum following closely behind, carrying her heavy school bag. Her mother would also be there during recess with the food specially prepared for her. Her classmates who knew of her condition would always be there to help her, to carry her bag and stuffs and even to help her up the stairs. They would be extra careful not to knock into her during PE lessons or in their play during recess. Being her form teacher, I would be on the lookout for her too. Sometimes when she volunteered to help carry my things to the staff room, I would give her a book or 2 to hold and to follow me along. She was a cheerful and helpful gal who wouldn't give in to some of the boys who liked to tease her. When she tried to give chase, her close friends would stop her and chased them on her behalf. She was indeed fortunate to have such caring friends around her.
When I left to further my studies, I kept in touch with the class but somehow she never appear for any of the class gatherings. It seemed that she had spent most of her teen's year, in and out of hospital for various operations that didn't seem to improve her condition. Had never expected to meet the class to grief for one of us. Have always thought that the honour of making the first exit should go to me when they attend my wake somehow I think Buddha couldn't wait. We couldn't help but feel sorry that she had to leave us so soon having only celebrated her 19th birthday last July. Perhaps it's time for her to be by god side and to lead a life she had missed. Perhaps it's way to relieve her of her agony and for her family and loved ones to carry on with their lives. Perhaps ..................
We lamented that life can be so brittle and unpredictable. I guess we all have to learn to treasure what we have, to cherish those whom we have always taken for granted and to do those things that we have always wanted to lest we should regret not having done so when we make our departure prematurely. Have you been procrastinating? How long do you intend to wait before you make that move?
Didn't get the chance to say good-bye
How I hope you can see me cry
Family and friends by your side
Feeling of sorrow they can't hide
There you lie in the dark casket
Wearing your favourite blue jacket
A peaceful smile without the pain
Something you have longed to attain
Gonna miss that smile and that face
At least you'll be in a better place
Your brief stay will not be in vain
Deep in our hearts you'll always remain
Good-bye, Pui Yee, Good-bye
I promise not to cry
Holding back my tears I try
Deep in my mind is where you'll lie
23:47
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